Dear Constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about rumours of a universal £500 self-isolation payment.

I can confirm that there are no plans to introduce a new universal £500 self-isolation payment. However, this pandemic is a dynamic and fast-moving situation, and financial support for those self-isolating is constantly under review. It is vital that we do all we can to suppress the spread of the virus, in order to protect vulnerable people, which is why everyone must play their part when self-isolating is required.

This may be challenging, which is why I welcome the continuation of the £500 Test and Trace Support Payment for people on low incomes who are unable to work from home while self-isolating and need support. As part of this, £70 million of funding has been provided to local authorities to help support near to four million people who are eligible for this scheme. This £500 is on top of any other benefit and statutory sick pay people may be eligible for.

The Government has published information on who can claim and how to apply for this Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme here, as well as information on the wider financial support that may be available here.

It's right that we encourage compliance with the duty to self-isolate as well as provide support for those who have lost vital earnings opportunities from having to self-isolate.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.

Yours,

EDWARD LEIGH MP